If you have driven an EV for the first time, you have probably noticed this immediately. The car starts slowing down as soon as you lift your foot off the accelerator. This is called regenerative braking, or simply regen. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, an EV tries to recover some energy while slowing down. Instead of wasting all that energy through the brakes, the motor sends a part of it back to the battery. That is why EVs feel slightly different to drive, especially in city traffic.Regenerative braking: Simple tips to use it better In places like Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, regen can actually help quite a bit. Daily driving usually involves traffic jams, red lights, flyovers and constant braking. This is exactly where regenerative braking works best. The trick is to drive smoothly. Many people accelerate hard and brake suddenly near signals or speed breakers. In an EV, it is better to lift off the accelerator a little earlier. The car starts slowing down on its own and also recovers some energy at the same time.
Most modern EVs now let drivers adjust regen levels. Some cars offer a light regen feel, while others slow down quite aggressively after you release the accelerator. It depends on what feels comfortable to you. At the same time, regen is not a replacement for regular brakes. If you brake hard or suddenly, the normal braking system still takes over. Regen can also feel weaker when the battery is fully charged because there is less space left to store extra energy. Driving style matters too. Aggressive acceleration, quick overtakes and sudden braking reduce efficiency. Smooth inputs usually help the car deliver better range. For many first-time EV owners, strong regenerative braking feels odd in the beginning. But after a few days, most drivers get used to it. Some even start liking it more in traffic because the car feels easier and more relaxed to drive.
